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Professor Bruce Whitelaw
On Monday 27th October 2025, at 7pm
In the UK gene editing is legally defined as being similar to natural or selective breeding. This talk will present the current research and regulatory position of gene editing technology in livestock. Gene editing provides a route to make specific changes to the genetic make up of an animal over one generation. Farmers rely on genetic variation for genomic selection of desirable traits to improve productivity on the farm. With gene editing research focussed on disease resistance, gene editing approaches could be beneficial to all types of farming practices, but it would only do so in combination with current genetic selection methodology and animal husbandry practice.
Bruce is a molecular geneticist and was until August of this year, Director of The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh. Retaining a position at Edinburgh he is now focussed on innovation in India. Bruce’s research career has focussed on gene transfer in animals, most notably large farm animals. He has worked with a range of technologies, most recently pioneering the use of gene editors in monogastric and ruminant livestock. His research aimed to advance both animal production and biomedical applications. Bruce has had roles with the OIE (now World Organisation for Animal Health), Nuffield Council of Bioethics and currently with Food Standards Agency.